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Welcome to Spending Notes, where we do a weekly deep dive into how our readers spend their cash.
Today: a medical coder who makes $55,000 a year
Occupation: medical coder
Age: 27
Location: Long Island, NY
Salary: $55,000 (approx. $2,115 per pay period)
Day One
For a disabled person, it can be frustrating to function in a society that’s not made for us. Fortunately, I’m able to do my job even when I’m bedridden for days at a time. I’m grateful for that, at least!
Today, though, is an okay day symptom-wise. I’m able to meet with the professionals who’ll perform my luxury walk in tubs installation. My house has two bathrooms, each of which will be more accessible with a walk-in tub. My aunt found a similar company in Tampa Bay and loved the result, so I’m excited to experience the same! When my twins get home from school, I order some groceries. My son makes dinner, and the three of us enjoy a warm macaroni and cheese dinner.
Total: $32.50
Day Two
The kids are at school again today, so I’m planning their upcoming birthday party. My daughter loves nothing more than her time at and around the basketball hoop—she’s been on the varsity roster since freshman year! So, an electronic basketball hoop was an obvious choice for their party. With this game, players are meant to make as many baskets as possible within 60 seconds. Because it’s digitized, there’s no need to keep track; accurate scoring comes effortlessly when automatic scoring handles it for you! I also order a sheet cake and some balloons.
Total: $83
Day Three
New York is far from one of North America’s cheapest places to live, but the beauty of living in New York City is its nearly universal accessibility in other ways. For instance, you can always find a convenient delivery service for whatever you need, even at the last minute. Like tonight, when K., my son, wants to try a new recipe and we’re missing a few key ingredients. Just a few app searches and they’re on the way, so dinner is saved!
Total: $36.50
Day Four
Today, I’ve got a doctor’s appointment downtown. Fortunately, I grew up here in NYC, so the transit system is second nature. Still, the trip takes a lot out of me, and I crash once I arrive back home. I thought ahead and gave the kids some money to make a deli run on their way home, so we have sandwiches for dinner—something quick and easy for all three of us.
Total: $28.50
Day Five
I’m still not feeling great today, so I work from bed for the day. Afterward, I head to the fun corner of the internet and buy an ebook for my collection. The kids are spending the night at friends’ houses, so I order some takeout and snuggle in with my Kindle for the night.
Total: $18.50
Day Six
My daughter, C., has an away game this afternoon, but her brother, K., is spending the day at home with me. He’s a bookworm, too, and currently knee-deep in an LSAT prep book before he even receives his first college acceptance letter! Right now, he’s considering majoring in prelaw. His partner, T., comes by in the evening, and the two of them get some groceries, then come home to cook dinner before C. arrives home, triumphant from today’s win on the court.
Total: $42
Day Seven
I’m feeling a little more functional today, so the kids and I finish up the week with some chores. That way, we’ll be all ready to start this coming week off on the right foot, complete with clean clothes and a tidy space. We order a few household essentials, then rent a movie to end the night.
Total: $41
Total for the week: $282
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